Safety in the Workplace: 5 Ways to Stay Safe in the Warehouse

Working in a warehouse is not only a challenging, but also a potentially dangerous job. If you are an employee in one of America’s more than 17,000 warehouses, you need to know how to stay safe.

  1. Respect Machinery
    Warehouses are full of machinery from conveyor belts to forklifts. Any of this equipment can be hazardous, especially when operated incorrectly. Follow these basic rules to prevent accidents:
  • Never use machinery without proper training
  • Make sure equipment is in good working order
  • Obey speed limits
  • Wear your seatbelt when driving
  • Look out for people when operating equipment
  • Look out for equipment when walking around the warehouse
  • Recognize the grave consequences of horseplay and stunt driving
  1. Wear Your Safety Equipment
    Safety equipment or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be uncomfortable and seem unnecessary. However, everything has a purpose. Here are a few of the items frequently used by warehouse employees:
  • Footwear (slip resistant, steel toed or alloy toed, electrical hazard protection)
  • Hard Hats
  • High-Visibility Jackets
  • Eye Protection
  • Ear Plugs
  1. Keep Things Clean

Your parents probably told you to clean up after yourself, and this holds true in the workplace too. Spills and debris can lead to unnecessary incidents. To make your working environment as safe as possible:

  • Declutter aisles
  • Throw out packing materials and boxes
  • Empty trash cans before they are full
  • Stack heavy items on the bottom, lighter items toward the top
  • Clean up spills quickly
  • Label wet floors with signs so no one slips or falls
  1. Lift Items Correctly
    Lifting or carrying items the wrong way can lead to back and other physical problems. These may happen suddenly or grow worse over time. Stay healthy with these techniques:
  • Bend your knees, keep your back straight and lift with your legs
  • Avoid twisting or turning when lifting (move your feet instead)
  • Don’t lift a heavy object above shoulder level
  • If an object is too heavy, ask someone for help or use a mechanical aid
  • Double-check the Safe Working Load (SWL) before operating lifting equipment
  1. Recognize and Report Unsafe Working Conditions
    In a perfect world, employers should provide ongoing training and employees should know how to report potential hazards. Unfortunately, workplaces aren’t perfect. If your company doesn’t take adequate measures, you may need to step up. Depending on the situation, you may:
  • Request introductory and/or ongoing safety training
  • Ask your employer to review proper reporting procedures
  • Immediately inform your supervisor of any problems
  • Support colleagues who identify and report dangerous situations

Finally, if despite your best efforts, you believe your employer is not taking safety concerns seriously, you may file a Safety and Health Complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA takes complaints seriously and will keep your identity confidential.

Would You Like to Learn More About Warehouse Openings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Halpin Staffing Services connects light and heavy industrial workers with leading companies in Wisconsin and Illinois. Whether you are looking for temporary employment, part-time work or a full-time position, we can help! Search our available jobs and find your next opportunity today!

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